Editor's Picks

Types of Crohn’s Disease

There are several different types of Crohn’s disease, categorized by the area of the digestive tract affected.

Ileocolitis This is the most common form of Crohn’s disease, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. (6) It affects the end of the small intestine (ileum) as well as the large intestine (colon).

Ileitis This form of Crohn’s disease affects only the ileum.

Crohn’s colitis Also known as granulomatous colitis, this form of the disease affects only the colon.

Gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease This form of the disease affects both the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

Jejunoileitis This form of Crohn’s disease involves patches of inflammation in the upper half of the small intestine (jejunum). (6)

This healthcare provider can help you use several strategies to reduce stress and alleviate Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis symptoms.

How Is Crohn’s Disease Treated?

Treatment for Crohn’s disease usually involves a number of different medications.

Some of these drugs are meant to prevent flares of your disease — periods in which your symptoms return or worsen. Others are prescribed to reduce inflammation and treat symptoms when a flare takes place.

You may also be prescribed antibiotics to treat symptoms or complications due to a bacterial infection.

Crohn’s Disease and Exercise

Studies show that physical activity can help reduce the severity of Crohn’s disease symptoms. Exercise is especially helpful for people who’ve recently had Crohn’s surgery, because it can speed up recovery time, help rebuild weakened muscles, and prevent calcium and protein loss from bones.

Resources for People With Crohn’s Disease

Having Crohn’s disease can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and it can sometimes feel like no one else knows what you’re going through.

At the same time, you may have questions about the best way to treat or manage your disease, or wonder if you could benefit from participating in a clinical trial.

Fortunately, a number of resources are available for information, emotional support, and even amusement related to Crohn’s disease.

Check out our list of websites, organizations, articles, and blogs related to Crohn’s. You can learn more about your treatment options, read about other people’s experiences with Crohn’s, and find out more about getting involved in research or advocacy.